Hi all,
Just found this topic, looks like it's still occasionally active so I'll hop in...
I'm Alex, long time but not very steady flight simmer, and a recent discoverer of Orbx. (Darn those Orbx marketers and their damn free excellent demos) I live in beautiful northern New Mexico, where I grew up, and like my profile says, I love hiking, mountain biking, and playing banjo. I've been trolling these forums for a while, learning a lot about Orbx, and getting to know some of the community here, which it really is. I like what I see, the Orbx groupies are an interesting, diverse bunch, and I hope I can bring something useful to the group.
I've wanted to be a pilot since I was about 2. I got my ppl while at university, and after graduation found myself in Alaska, where I worked the Anchorage ramp for three years while working on my ratings. I was very fortunate, after a very brief stint dropping skydivers in 182s, I had a Twin Otter FO job in southwest Alaska with Era Aviation. I was with Era for six years, which included a year and a half in the Dash 8.
From there I followed an opportunity to eastern DR Congo, flying humanitarian aid workers to remote strips in the jungle, also in the Twin Otter (and the Caravan occasionally, when they were desperate). That was the best job I've ever had, and I truly knew the feeling of loving one's work every day. After that I spent two years flying in Algeria, and then a year in Uganda flying oil workers around in the brand new first-off-the-line Twin Otter -400. Somewhere in there I got married, and my lifestyle was not conducive to a fledgling marriage, so I basically gave it (lifestyle and flying) up. I miss flying a lot, but FSX actually helps. I have many blessings in my life and I have done things I could never even dream of, so I don't dwell on it and just enjoy what I have today.
Eastern Algeria
So I must say, Orbx, I am a definite convert and will support the cause as much as I can. It's exactly what FSX needed, particularly in the unpaved-strip department. But of special note, fantastic job on the Jackson's scenery! Check out our Twin Otter in Shabunda, DRC:
Now compare it to Orbx's Kokoda. You guys really got the atmosphere and feel of jungle flying, imo. And I love how you did the full package -- airliner into a beautifully done Port Moresby, then take an Otter or 206 to some awesome hairball strips, or a Dash 8 across the island to some far-flung airport on the ocean, or there are some places perfect for the Caravan as well. So great job, I love it, helps me pretend I'm a real pilot again.
So it's good to meet everyone, it makes it more of a community when you can actually know something about the people in it, great thread.
Alex V.